How Did a $2 Billion Trove of Art End Up in a Random Attic in France? – The Gentleman Report
THE ART THIEF: A Fascinating Tale of Passion, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession written by Michael Finkel
The protagonist of Michael Finkel’s “The Art Thief,” Stéphane Breitwieser, lives life to the fullest. The 25-year-old resides with his girlfriend, Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus, in a modest set of rooms on the upper floor of his mother’s home in eastern France. He is passionate about beauty and spends his time obsessing over it. Over a period of eight years, using only a Swiss Army knife, he steals a staggering $2 billion worth of artwork from various museums, which he then stores in the attic of his mother’s house.
Finkel provides a colorful insert that visually depicts Breitwieser’s collection, showcasing an incredible variety of exquisite ivory carvings, gleaming silver goblets, and captivating oil paintings. However, Breitwieser doesn’t steal these artworks for monetary gain but purely for his and Kleinklaus’s private enjoyment. Among the stolen pieces is George Petel’s sculpture “Adam and Eve” from 1627, displayed on their bedside table alongside a 19th-century blown-glass vase and a tobacco box specially commissioned by Napoleon.
Finkel’s narrative, based primarily on interviews with Breitwieser, portrays him as a romantic hero who dismisses practicalities and security concerns. He is disheartened when his mother purchases Ikea furniture, feeling out of sync with the world around him. Finkel cleverly aligns the reader’s sympathies with this unconventional criminal, resulting in a sense of thrilling enjoyment.
In “The Art Thief,” Michael Finkel presents an enthralling story of passion, crime, and a dangerous obsession. The central figure, Stéphane Breitwieser, leads an unconventional life that is full of beauty and adventure. He lives with his girlfriend in his mother’s home, where he indulges in his obsession with beauty. Over the course of eight years, he uses only a Swiss Army knife to steal an incredible $2 billion worth of artwork from various museums, which he then hides in his mother’s attic.
Finkel’s writing is visually stunning, and he provides an insert that showcases Breitwieser’s collection in all its glory. The stolen artworks include exquisite ivory carvings, silver goblets, and captivating oil paintings. However, Breitwieser’s motivation for stealing these pieces is not monetary gain but purely for his and his girlfriend’s private enjoyment. Among the stolen pieces is a sculpture from 1627, displayed on their bedside table alongside other treasures.
Finkel’s narrative is based primarily on interviews with Breitwieser, and he portrays him as a romantic hero who dismisses practicalities and security concerns. Breitwieser is disheartened when his mother purchases Ikea furniture, feeling out of sync with the world around him. Finkel cleverly aligns the reader’s sympathies with this unconventional criminal, resulting in a sense of thrilling enjoyment.
Overall, “The Art Thief” is a fascinating tale that will captivate readers with its unique perspective on crime and obsession.
THE ART THIEF: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsessionwritten by Michael Finkel
Stéphane Breitwieser, the central figure in Michael Finkel’s “The Art Thief,” seems to be enjoying life to the fullest. With no job or financial responsibilities, the 25-year-old lives with his girlfriend, Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus, in a modest set of rooms on the upper floor of his mother’s home in eastern France. He considers himself an admirer of beauty and spends his time obsessing over it. In a span of eight years, using only a Swiss Army knife, he manages to steal a staggering $2 billion worth of artwork from various museums, which he then stores in the attic of his mother’s house.
Finkel provides visual evidence of Breitwieser’s collection in the form of a colorful insert, showcasing a chaotic array of exquisite ivory carvings, gleaming silver goblets, and captivating oil paintings. However, Breitwieser steals these artworks not for monetary gain but purely for his and Kleinklaus’s private enjoyment. Among the stolen pieces is George Petel’s sculpture “Adam and Eve” from 1627, displayed on their bedside table alongside a 19th-century blown-glass vase and a tobacco box specially commissioned by Napoleon.
Finkel’s narrative, primarily based on interviews with Breitwieser, presents him as a romantic hero who dismisses practicalities and security concerns. He becomes deeply disheartened when his mother purchases Ikea furniture, feeling out of sync with the world around him. Finkel cleverly aligns the reader’s sympathies with this unconventional criminal, resulting in a sense of thrilling enjoyment.
